I have this 1977 frame that was in good structural shape but had really ratty paint and rough chrome. Made the decision to have it media blasted and powder coated in a close match to the original red. Externally applied UV coated decals from Cyclomondo. Going to build it up with 1st generation Shimano Dura Ace derailleurs. While I have the DA down tube shifters, I will likely use Sun Tour bar end shifters. The rear is a Crane that easily takes a 32 tooth freewheel. Still deciding on whether I should put a triple up front or stick with the original Stronglight crank. Going to dress it in fenders, a constructour rack in the back and a portour rack in the front to hold a small Randonneuring bag. Trying to decide on whether I should use a set of Phillippe swept back bars for a more upright position or stick with drop bars.
BTW, I deliberately installed the tabs at the top of the seatstays with the black above the Tricolore. This is technically upside down when you look at catalog images. The original design is at odds with flag protocol because when you display the French flag vertically, the blue is supposed to be at the top. Since I am not going for a historical representation of the bike, I decided to give primacy to more general flag display protocols.
